Chapter 6: By blade not By Words

A/N: I haven't posted for a bit. I was planning a rewrite of my other book before posting this but I've been a bit busy.

Oh well... Here goes nothing:

///////////// START////////

Raito had been here for around a week and now the first term is beginning.

First thing he did was get some new clothes.

He was going for comfort and maneuverability. He was able to get damn near exactly what he wanted.

Taking off his clothes, he then changed into the given uniform comprising of grey flowing pants, a black silk shirt, and a beautiful black Haori sporting a the symbol of balance "Yin and Yang" on the back.

The Haori covered his arms, and the sleeves ended halfway down his hands. It also went down to his knees, and had four outer pockets and six inner ones, all quite sizable.

'Not my first choice of clothing, but at least it has a lot of pockets... Now for weapons.'

Raito unsealed his supply scroll. Taking a moment to marvel on the various assortment of sharp objects, talismans, wires and pills laid out before him.

Grabbing several of each, and in progressively greater sizes, he bagged his items making sure to hide several kunai in his sleeves.

Satisfied with the quantity of hidden weapons, he then rose up from his seated position and turned to look at the wall behind him.

Hung upon the plain wall, he saw a Ninjato.

thirty-six inches total, with a nine inch handle, it was plain, just a leather wrapped handle and an unremarkable single edged blade, and standard strong tip, very straight, very pointy, very sharp, it was overall perfect for him.

He took it and strapped it to the back of his waist, underneath the Haori.

'Now for books... still need learn everything that old man was talking about earlier.'

And so he took the beginners books for everything, including things distinctly non-ninja that they had for disguises or something like that. Next was Kanji/Calligraphy and [Ofuda Creation] followed by his stove and his Tiger Skin Blanket.

'Yes very important.'

Sealing those into storage scrolls, and having a little trouble carrying it all, he left and thus permanently moved out of the tree which had sheltered him for two years. Murmuring a quick "goodbye" before crouching and springing into the treetops towards his next destination.

///////////// Change location /////////

Raito POV:

[The Himejima Clan] is one of The Five Principal Clans.

They are a Clan of Powerful Mystics who serve and are linked to the Shinto gods.

In return for serving these deities, they are given the power required for the served them for the purification of evil spirits.

This Clan is Guarded by a Divine Beast called the [Vermilion Bird]. One of the four Chinese Symbols Of Power.

They are affiliated with The Hojo Dojo.

This school of course.

Despite not being one of the main schools of Mysticism in Kyoto, it held the duty of providing excellent soldiers each year.

It specialized in its own special brand of Swordplay. It was remote and considered backwards and redundant unlike the other Schools.

Despite this, it had quite the number of applicants each year.

Those who could not enter any of the main schools often found themselves here.

It would accept them. The only known criteria was the willingness to learn and put in the necessary effort to grow.

The Dojo didn't have too much in form of institutions, however an optional dormitory was provided for accepted students.

Students who lacked places to live, at least nearby places, could pay a low fee calculated per month for a room.

These rooms may vary in price depending on an number of factors. Quality, Presence of Roommates, e.t.c

Furthermore, each student may pay for their stay in Physical Labor in case they are lacking funds.

This system allowed the Dojo and other institutes to run smoothly and remain mentained despite being understaffed.

'I wonder how the other schools do...'

This thought entered my mind as I peered in from the top of a wall. Dawn, the courtyard was sparsely occupied with students some gently sweeping away leaves form underneath the trees and others performing similarly repetitive tasks here and there.

I was supposed to meet Sensei in front of a designated classroom after a daily event called the Morning Assembly however, I contemplated wether or not I should wear my cloak.

Should I stride inside wearing suspicious clothing, I could be mistaken for a thief.

Sneaking in was an even worse idea.

The Instructors were probably present and I had no interest in finding out close up how competent they were with a blade.

'No. let's just walk in through the gate like a normal person.'

I thought, fingers twitching and unconsciously reaching for the Neko Mask hidden within my Haori. Desire battling against Reason.

Finally steeling my nerves, I proceeded on my way.

There were indeed people practicing swords in the courtyard.

They repeatedly swung into the air seemingly attempting to perfect some sort of sword technique.

Strangely, despite this being practice as far as I could tell, it seems they are using actual steel weaponry.

Each student carried a blade that seemed suited for them. From the smallest disciple who carried short knives, to the largest and most robust who swung what appeared to be a broadsword..

The instructor, seemingly understanding the differences between each disciple scrutinized them individually before advising them using a combination of yells, insults and occasionally a strike using the butt of his weapon for those who he had to remind more than once. Truly the Students were different but the admonishment was equally harsh for everyone.

A few grunts come from the practicing disciples, along with loud barking from a muscular instructor who honestly didn't look too happy to be there judging by how he suddenly kicks one of the students who he thought was slacking. Causing him to drop the sword he was swinging.

*Klang*

*GAH!*

"Pathetic... Do you guys know how hard is it to become a true samurai? With your current standard, it would be good enough if you can even become a foot soldier.

Talk less of being remotely useful to our sworn cause, the service of Yasaka-sama!"

he barks at both the offender and the spectating disciples. Bald head glinting in the morning sun just as brightly as the sword strapped to his hip.

"Or maybe you won't even pass the qualification test to become a foot soldier, then you'll have to go back to farming, being social workers or whatever you were wasting your pathetic lives on.

Only when a big war is taking place will you wastes be enlisted into the army whether you were ready or not. That kind of inferior army could only serve as cannon fodder in the battlefield! Even if you survived, to cap it all off, you will only receive a very moderate amount of payment! Is that the life you want to live?!"

Oh yes, I remember.

Apparently this was one of the reasons they are often looked down upon.

They seem to serve a Yokai Matriarch named Yasaka when the Five Principal Clans are still at a reluctant truce with Yokai.

A position just close enough to almost be seen as traitors to their own species. Unpopular, yet they have persisted up till now.

Impressive in its own way.

'Yasaka, one of the leaders of the Supernaturals in Japan. A Kitsune.

A Nine tailed Fox.'

I mentally review all the knowledge I managed to gather about her so far through the use of clone eavesdropping.

'Age is currently unknown to me.

Appearance in public is scarce as she always seems to be busy, however there are pictures.

Relatives?... How strange. Unconfirmed child.

An unknown husband... Deceased?

The child however... It seems his/her identity is kept hidden even above the Five Principal Clans... I guess I can see why...'

Raito is immersed in his thoughts as he makes his way through the courtyard.

The yelling continues and the students kept sucking at their tasks until the Instructor seemed to finally run out of patience.

"Alright! Since you won't improve by sweat, you'll improve by blood. Joined sparring! Form a ring!" He barked out orders as the students groaned pitifully but obeyed anyway.

I finally made it to the front of the assembly hall, it was quite close to their morning class only separated by a series of large stairs overlooking the courtyard which could also serve as makeshift benches for spectators.

It granted a wide view of the courtyard.

I sat on one of these and watched their sparring in interest wondering what I could learn.

*Oof!*

Gradually, more and more students made it through the courtyard and took their seats also watching and chatting amongst themselves as they waited for the Dojo to open up for lessons.

*Gah!*

Raito looked on passively as one student in the sparring class sidestepped a swing and slammed the hilt of his sword at the base of his opponents neck smiling as his opponents eyes went white. Thankfully it wasn't with enough force to pop the vertebra from its place.

Cervical Fracture was avoided. If barely.

*Ghack!*

*Thud!*

"Asami!" the instructor barked.

This time his ire directed at a specific student.

The student in question had a rather muscular statue for his age tall for a maybe nine year old, he carried the heavy weapon on one shoulder, black eyes glinting at his downed victim with a hint of sadistic satisfaction.

However, even he seemed to have at least a modicum of regard for the instructor judging by how this was reigned in.

"What have I told you about attempting to cripple your fellow disciples?!"

Asami (As he was called) seemed to have no remorse for his actions.

No... it seemed he didn't even consider what he did as wrong in the first place.

"It was his fault for being weak and presenting me the opportunity to do that much harm. The strong rule over the weak."

He voiced out his sound logic.

The instructor however, incised by the remark as he was, conceded the point

"Correct. It is only natural that the strong rule over the weak." he admitted

But before the errant student could celebrate, he interjected.

"However! Weaknesses is subjective. He may be weak and feeble compared to you,"

He then gestures to the ever distant horizon beyond the court walls.

"But you are worthless compared to some of the monsters out there in the world."

An aura of red then enveloped him giving off an intangible feeling of a sheathed blade. Waiting and ready ready for times of violence.

No killing intent though.

"Thus his importance is no less than yours, you're all equally WORTHLESS before true power." he ended his point in a low, almost guttural tone.

All the students flinched and looked away

He seemed to derive a form of satisfaction from that his visage improving minutely.

He then went on to say:

"Besides, not everyone has arrived yet here within just the courtyard, I can at present count at least two people in front of whom your meagre strength would be useless."

The instructor voiced, leaving me wondering who those he could sense were. And more importantly, whether there were currently people present whom even he couldn't sense.

This "rather courageous" disciple seemed to almost sneer at that remark. His doubt visible. He then makes his retort.

"Those two people you mentioned are probably you and some old geezer who came in earlier. I am aware that I cannot beat you at present, however I have the potential to.

I will surpass you and any old geezer here soon. Then I will move out of this den of commoners and join a REAL main school of the Five Principal Clans and restore honour to my family!"

'Oh? I see... I can more or less guess what happened.' Raito thought.

"But for now, within my class, I doubt any student could match me. Thus, I want to take this demonstration as evidence that I'm ready for a promotion to the main school."

The instructor pauses and considers his request. Then he slowly ground out:

"You... you know very well the reason you are still in this "Commoner Dojo" as you have called it."

'Ooh, is there some history here I'm missing?' the spectating Raito wondered.

"Regardless, I can protect myself." He said. Almost sneering.

"Even if I can't, I'm certain that the other schools have guards just as capable or even more so than this run-down Dojo."

*Snap!*

The instructor is absolutely livid. His face almost ignites for a second, but he just as quickly reigns himself in and takes a moment to think.

"Hmm..."

For someone who looked so brutish, he had quite some degree of control over himself.

Despite the inferred insult, the instructor remained quiet while levelling his gaze at his errant student. Humming and pondering as his finger stroked his shaven chin.

He then glances to the side for towards the bleachers a moment, and Raito reflexively attempts to blend into his seat. Avoiding the sweeping gaze.

After a moment, he suddenly sighs. His gaze returning to the antagonising student.

"The greatest Sin for a Sensei, is an incorrigible Student." He begins while gesturing by waving his hand.

At that most of the students file out of the field, forming a wide rough circle leaving only Asami and the instructor in the in the middle.

Thereby forming enough space in the immediate vicinity for a...

'A Duel?' Raito wonders.

Excitement surging a bit after not finding anything that could improve his current repertoire. A duel between this instructor and the errant student was sure to provide some more insight into how the people of this strange land fought.

He contemplated secretly turning on the [Sharingan] just to observe.

But before he could

"This is a Duel between Asami Oryuu and Raito Uchiha."

...

...

...

"Huh?"

///// Change POV: /////

Asami Oryuu/ Third person POV:

[The Yellow Dragon].

Their esteemed Clan's guardian Beast.

The pinnacle of the Clans power.

The dream and right of any aspiring Clan heir.

Asami had dreamed of inheriting this hallowed creature as soon as his body became a strong enough container.

Which was why when he was seven years old, his world fell apart when he learned that his cousin would inherit the Clans Guardian Beast a role that should have been his.

Something about compatibility as he was born with [Water Qi] as opposed to the [Oryuu's earth attribute].

He had begged. Even agreeing to a Qi altering procedure from the Clans branch in China. Despite the agony this treatment was known to cause, he had suggested such.

'Yet I received nothing

No answer. No agreement nor denial from the Clan Elders.'

They had simply stopped looking his way after his first Qi test.

And to to make things worse, he was suddenly getting expelled from the Clan.

He young as he was he had stormed into a clan meeting to plead with the esteemed elders,

Years later, as if to spite him, he was again denied entry into the Clan Schools.

He worked harder than his cousins. Granted he wasn't as proficient in the clan arts as them, but despite that he had more than showcased his diligence.

'Hard work will not betray you.'

And his reward came.

In the end, his level of prowess did not lose out to the heirs of any of the other principal clans.

He had celebrated his success in proving himself and his coronation was upcoming, except...

Out of literally nowhere.

One of his numerous cousins, a literal NOBODY had gained a sudden boost in his learning curve.

It was strange. Things he couldn't do before, were now seemingly comprehended almost overnight.

A figure that was once despised.

A figure whou no one used to give a second glance, out of nowhere gained an exponential boost in strength.

Try as he might to work harder, it just wasn't enough.

'In the end, I was defeated in a spar. Everything changed since then...'

The roles switched almost overnight.

No one questioned the anomalous increase in strength too much. It was all chalked up to a freaky bloodline mutation.

'At a point, I had eavesdropped on him talking to himself. Something about an [Ancestor in a ring] and other obscure methods which he couldn't understand.'

'Ancestor...' he thought with a hint of despair.

Had even the Divine Beast betrayed him?

He was undoubtedly this generations Oryuu.

It was his birthright!

Asami had reported his findings to the Clan Elders, requesting for the ring to be put under scrutiny.

However even that fell through.

The Fool somehow gained even recognition for having a [Sacred gear].

Yes.

The ring got designated as a [Sacred Gear]

'In hindsight, I should have seen that coming...' Adamo thought bitterly.

It was like fates had been switched.

Yet, regardless, he worked even harder. biding his time in hopes of the opportunity to fight for his position sometime in the future.

Next thing he knew, he was being filed out of the Clan territory for reasons still incomprehensible to him.

"This isn't fair. What did I do to deserve this polite yet obligated exile?!"

"Fairness is besides the point."

Those were the words he had heard since he lost contact with any relatives.

And thus he was demoted from upcoming heir in the honorable Oryuu Clan to mingling with these Yokai Hugging Commoners.

'Oh how the mighty fall.' he thought bitterly

But, if there's no remedy, he would have to create one himself.

At this point,it was do or die.

'I will restore my honor!

I won't take this lying down!

I'm more skilled and powerful than any of these scum.

I'm Better!' he recited to himself.

Fully convincing himself of this irrefutable fact.

'And when my talents finally shine the brightest, brighter than even that usurper, the Clan will have no choice but to restore me to my rightful place.' Clinging onto that bit of hope, he then glared at his opponent observing him in the process.

A head shorter than him, fragile looking, a mop of black hair with a strange tuft of red rebelliously sticking out in contrast from the middle, attempting to form a fringe, but not quite there yet.

'Skinny, short, doesn't look like much...'

Asami felt bad however to fulfil his ambitions, he would gladly swallow any guilt.

"Are both parties ready?!" An annoying voice asked.

"Gladly..." Asami mumbled with a grin.

"..." His opponent remained silent only staring him down.

"Alright, Hajime!"

And the battle was underway.

The clash began with a swift exchange of blows.

Giving almost no chance for Asami to go on the offence, his opponent instantly burst into action and the air was suddenly filled with a volley of thrown weapons. All of them curving in their trajectories and heading straight for him.

Gritting his teeth and pulling up his sword, he commenced a hasty block followed by a series of slashes each one Knocking the weapons from the air and scattering them.

However, they seemed to just keep coming as his opponent kept throwing and trowing and throwing. The weapons never seemed to end.

Soon he found himself getting overwhelmed and sporting a few scratches here and there.

"AArgh!!!"

With a grunt of exertion, all the airborne weapons were blown away picked up. Blowing both the weapons and his previously incoming opponent into the air. A smirk graced his face at the thought of some get back.

His opponent however twisted lightly in the air. Nimbly landing on his feet in a crouch. Without missing a beat, two objects fell out of his opponents sleeves. They were round in shape and gray in colour. Lightly bouncing a couple of times before exploding and hiding half the field in a layer of thick smoke.

The spectators watched eagerly.

His opponent seemed to Spin through all the attacks narrowly dodging them while approaching him. The next thing he registered was a whip-like kick to the side of the head on the Ear and then the taste of the courtyard dust.

No pain was registered, however the world seemed to be spinning and dancing. He felt like throwing up and he did.

He colored the courtyard floor with his breakfast.

Then the pain came as all his wounds seemed to have come to life. A groan escaped his lips.

"Uuurgh..."

He then lay there beside a steaming puddle attempting to get his bearings back.

However, from the corner of his eye he saw a concerning sight. The image of his opponent "Raito" if he recalled correctly seemed to be drawing a long and thin blade from somewhere behind fully intent on finishing him off.

'Isn't the match already over?

I've tapped out already... What are you still drawing a blade for?' Asami wondered.

He then glanced into his opponent's eyes with a questioning look and recoiled at the sight.

His aggressive outburst halted prematurely by the eerily blank look.

It was strange...

It was the same unconcerned, un-noticing look you would have if you discovered that you had accidentally stepped on a rather large bug during a morning stroll and were wondering where best to wipe it off the soles of your feet.

*Shiing...*

Asami shivered as the fully reveled blade shimmered in the morning sun.

At this moment, before his fear could turn into full blown panic, help came from an unlikely source.

The descending blade suddenly changed it's downward course. Moving sideways in a flat block as a pillar of what could only be described as wind slammed into its owner.

It dealt no damage but succeeded in lifting its target off his feet.

"Match concluded. The Victor is Raito Uchiha." A somewhat furious voice insisted.

The owner glaring at an new offending student. Features somehow demanding an explanation.

All the spectators watched stupefied. Hesitant expressions on their faces.

The instructor is the first to snap out of his reverie when no such explanation was delivered.

Luckily since no further attack was forthcoming, the tense environment slowly relaxed as the student shifted out of his defensive stance.

"What the hell have you sent me? Yu..."

Grumbling under his breath and shaking his head, he resolved to address the issue later on after class, he then turned to address the ready of the spectating disciples.

"Alright settle down. now before you retire to your various classes I have one more thing to tell you."

With that announcement everyone comes back to reality.

"This is the halfway point through yet another semester. You will be graduating in a few years. You will face the world and reality in its fullness."

"You are all my students and despite all, I DO care for you."

At this he spared a glance at two particular students.l, quickly removing it in the next second.

"So I need you to remember...

Fight.

Fight for every ounce of Power you can get your hands on. So long as you don't go to those [FILTH] and mutilate yourselves, I do not care what method you are using to get stronger. In this world of you don't want to lose, Fight!"

"Or die." he adds, a tone of solemnity seeping into his voice.

"Class dismissed!"

With this, the students eagerly files out of the field. All except for one.

"You over there!" He pointed at his target.

"Come with me."

And with this, the Sensei made a jerking turn in another direction, towards one particular office.

Quiet, hesitant footsteps shifted through the sand behind him.

////// End chapter //////

Happy new year guys!

For what it's worth, I have the perfect excuse.

IT at a higher level takes a lot of time.

Please accept this XL chapter as an apology.

If you like this book, then please support me this year as well.

Have a wonderful time!

P.S: I was planning to give this to you on new year, but life life for in the way as usual. It's longer than average if that's any consolation.

MechaHeart out!